Debbie Baker - Group Leader
Debbie Baker CST Facilitator
Debbie has been working with older people and people with dementia for over 10 years independently and in care homes, and in the past 2 for a leading charity in this area. She is also a Dementia Friends Champion and is available to hold free dementia friends information sessions.
Qualified Exercise to Music Instructor Y.M.C.A. level 2, trained move it or lose it chair based exercises and activities instructor and a circle dance for dementia facilitator.
Trained in CST by Dr Aimee Spector, who was involved in the development of CST in 2001, Debbie has been facilitating CST groups for people with mild to moderate dementia in both the care home setting and community groups.
Always on the look out for new and necessary training and qualifications, Debbie has completed: 'The Many Faces of Dementia' a FutureLearn MOOCourse created in partnership with the University College London in November 2018 and attended a live webinar with Teepa Snow, the dementia and alzheimer's care expert from America, in September 2017, entitled - Dementia and developmental disabilities: Whats Happening? She is currently studying Dementia and the Arts with University College London another FutureLearnMOOCourse.
Debbie is also a Reiki healer, second degree (Usui)
Debbie holds cognitive stimulation therapy sessions in Bishops Stortford and surrounding areas.
A befriending/sitting service is also available, please contact Debbie for more information.
Debbie is also a member of the East Herts Dementia Friendly Action Group
What is CST?
CST is a fun way to improve memory, build relationships, maximise potential, stimulate executive functioning, language and improve concentration
CST stands for Cognitive Stimulation Therapy, it is an evidence based treatment, consisting of themed activities that can be undertaken irrespective of drug treatments received. Analysis suggests that for larger improvements in cognition, CST is equally as effective as several dementia drugs.
Our activity groups are based on the principles of CST and more. If you have attended CST at your local hospital or clinic, the CST Today groups can be used as ongoing maintenance.
We also provide private individual CST sessions in your own home, as well as group sessions in a care home setting.
UK Government NICE guidance on the management of dementia recommend the use of group cognitive stimulation for people with mild to moderate dementia.
Our Vision and Mission
Our Vision: Local people living well with dementia
Our Mission:
- Improve the lives of those living with mild to moderate dementia, their carer’s and family by providing activity groups following the principles of cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) in Bishops Stortford and surrounding areas.
- Provide much needed respite for the family and carers of those living with dementia
- Help maintain independence for people living at home with dementia
- Fulfil the need for dementia care and support by providing stimulating social activity groups in the community
- Provide up to date information regarding local support services and dementia related products, sign posting to the various dementia charities and organisations for help and advice when needed
- Give our members the best care and support in the groups, by making sure all our staff and volunteers are up to date with the mandatory training and DBS checks
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